FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 1, 2025
CONTACT: Liane Jollon, Executive Director, 970-769-0354, liane@westernleaders.org
Jessica Pace, Program Director, 615-294-2049, jess@westernleaders.org

WLN, ALN respond to EPA’s delay of federal methane rule

Delaying compliance deadline for methane safeguards harms public health, local economies, and democracy

Statement from Western Leaders Network Executive Director Liane Jollon: 

“This unlawful delay of the EPA methane rule ignores the broad, bipartisan support behind commonsense safeguards and dismisses the voices of local, Tribal and state elected officials working for clean air, a healthier climate, and strong economies for their constituents. The 2024 EPA methane rule would not only strengthen the growing methane mitigation industry, but also play a critical role in addressing the escalating impacts of climate change. When many oil and gas-producing states and major companies are already making strides to comply with the standards, it’s clear the Trump administration values the interests of polluters over the public and our democracy. Every day we delay action to cut methane is another day our communities suffer the health, environmental, and economic impacts of this pollution.” 

Background
Before allowing communities the opportunity to voice concerns, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has unlawfully used the Interim Final Rule process to delay the deadlines for oil and gas producers to comply with the 2024 federal EPA rule to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. This move puts sweeping regulatory changes immediately into effect at the expense of transparency, public participation, and those on the frontlines of oil and gas. 

Reducing methane pollution is the fastest, most cost-effective way to slow the impacts of climate change, which include poor air quality, extreme temperatures and wildfire seasons, prolonged drought and the depletion of water resources, all of which place an undue burden on local, tribal, and state governments and their communities. 

Methane is also released alongside other emissions such as volatile organic compounds that degrade air quality and increase health risks for children, the elderly and other vulnerable community members. 

Western Leaders Network and Appalachian Leaders Network harness the power of local, tribal, and state elected officials to address the climate crisis, advance conservation initiatives, and protect democracy.